Supporting Immigrants with dignity while in detention and upon release
OUR MISSION
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest supports immigrants in detention and when released through welcoming services focused on transitional support and connection to vital resources for resettlement.
OUR VISION
A welcoming community that affirms the dignity of all immigrants and facilitates a pathway toward independent and productive lives.
OUR MISSION
• Established in 2005 to serve immigrants released from detention
• 1 full-time employee
• All-volunteer board
• 50+ active volunteers from the Puget Sound region
OUR HISTORY
• Tacoma Tide Flats (1623 East J St. Tacoma)
• 1,575 beds
• One of the largest detention facilities in U.S.
• Operated by GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
NORTHWEST ICE PROCESSING CENTER
• Detained people are from countries and territories around the world
• Detention period: 1 month to 5 years�
• As of 4/3/25, approx. 1300 detainees
NORTHWEST ICE PROCESSING CENTER
• An immigrant is a person who leaves one country to settle in another.
• A migrant worker is a person who has a work VISA to enter the country.
• An asylum seeker is a person who has sought protection, but whose claim for asylee status has not yet been assessed. An asylee may be granted asylum once they enter the country.
• A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his/her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
• Complicated legal process
• Lack of access/funds for legal assistance
• Staying connected to family and friends
• Isolation, boredom, depression, mental and emotional trauma
• Lack of adequate health care and mental health services
• Language barriers and lack of educational opportunities
• Limited access to spiritual and religious support
CHALLENGES WHILE IN DETENTION
Living “Pod” Area
(Photo credit: Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio, Sept. 11, 2019, https://mynorthwest.com/1508844/northwest-detention-center-tacoma-tour/ )
• Welcome Center and Post-Detention Accompaniment Network (PDAN) program�
• Visitation/Pen pals
• Phone funds ($20 per person)�
• Host Homes�
• Books Program�
• Referrals to community partners
AIDNW CORE SERVICES
WELCOME CENTER
WELCOME CENTER
Our Welcome Center operates from an RV parked outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center.
Volunteers staff the Welcome Center from 2:30-7:00 p.m. (or when releases stop for the day) Monday to Friday, and welcome released immigrants by providing:
WELCOME CENTER
• Volunteers visit detained people inside when conditions allow, otherwise write letters.
• Volunteers visit or write letters at least twice a month.
• Immigrants can request a visitor/pen pal, phone funds and deportation bags through an AIDNW hotline.
• AIDNW donates art and craft supplies
and books for pod library carts.
VISITATION PROGRAM
Hat and Sweater knitted by Faustina (Guatemala)
Post-It Note Vase
Items Created from Gum and Candy Wrappers
Volunteer drivers take immigrants from the Welcome Center or Hospitality House to the airport, the bus station or other accommodations.
They may accompany them to the airport gate, government resource offices, etc.
Post-Detention Accompaniment Network (PDAN) volunteer drivers
Many local groups collaborate with AIDNW
in serving immigrants
COLECTIVA LEGAL DEL
PUEBLO
OUR IMPACT
Since 2019, AIDNW has helped nearly 6,000 detained immigrants from over 120 countries around the world to unite with their families and friends here in the U.S.
Without AIDNW, many released immigrants would be without shelter or transportation, and unable to contact family and friends—a heartless introduction to life in America.
US Immigration Quick Facts
Time
Talent
Treasure
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Bilingual volunteers especially needed!
SHARE YOUR TIME
• Legal services/advocacy�
• Interpretation/translation services�
• Fundraising�
• Marketing and communications/social media�
• Website and graphic design�
• Tech support�
• Speakers’ bureau
SHARE YOUR TALENT
SHARE YOUR TREASURE
The financial support of individuals is critical to the operation of AIDNW.
We are 100% sustained by donations from individuals and private organizations.
AIDNW has been designated a Great Nonprofit.
Recurring donations help us meet ongoing expenses and provide important security to our organization. Giving even a small amount each month is a great help.
For more information about us, see our website at aidnw.org , contact operationsmgr@aidnw.org
SHARE AS YOU ARE ABLE
• Community Meetings
All are welcome! Held every other month on the 3rd Wednesday, 10:30-12:00. These meetings are hybrid. Please see our website aidnw.org under News and Events for the next meeting date and location.
• Volunteer applications are available online
• Purchase items on the AIDNW Amazon.com Wishlist
• Sign up for our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter
AN INVITATION
Thank you for your time!